In the current study, we have demonstrated the following: (1) CXCL16 is induced in the kidney in response to cisplatin-induced AKI; (2) Genetic disruption of CXCL16 protects against cisplatin-induced AKI and tubular epithelial cell apoptosis; (3) Genetic disruption of CXCL16 reduces inflammatory cell infiltration and proinflammatory cytokine production in the kidney. Here, CXCL16 is linked to acute kidney injury.